From gorgo@kwangju.net Sat Dec 20 00:16:23 1997
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 13:35:49 +0900
From: Fred Herriot <gorgo@kwangju.net>
Subject: [fanfic][lemon][UY] "A Remarkable Destiny" Part VI


     "Impossible!!"

     Shutaro Mendou, the scion of the Mendou Conglomerate, heir to
the largest family fortune in Japanese history, seethes in the back
seat of his command car, his world so seemingly secure...until now. 
The chief of the Kuromegane sits beside the driver staring back as
the vehicle heads for the front gate.  "It is true, sir.  These
Sagussans are here to become Earth's allies...but in doing so, the
Urusians and the other races may be expelled.  What's worse, they
have professed to our agents that Ataru Moroboshi has been invited
to live with them, in fact become their head-of-state!"

     Mendou tightly grips his katana.  "Where is he?!"

     "Unknown, sir," the Kuromegane replies.

     Mendou relaxes.  "We must do our best to dissuade these women
of their mistake," he hisses.  "Moroboshi mustn't be allowed to
complete the terrible crime he began when he refused to surrender
to Lum-san's dreams!  To school!!"

     "Hai," the driver snaps.

     The vehicle races through the front gate...and past a Warsuit,
standing conspicuously at a corner across the way.  The pilot
watches the vehicle go, then grabs a mike.  "Pai to Deunan.  Mendou
en route your locale; he just passed my position.  The kimei'aidoei
doesn't look too pleased, boss.  Better get ready."

     "Roger, Pai," the squadron commander replies.  "We're set."

                           *    *    *

     "Congratulations!!!"

     Shinobu gasps as Hitomi swamps her with a hug and kiss to the
cheek.  Oh, God, was her bonded state so easy to see?  She couldn't
wait to experience what sensing a fresh bonding was like.  Sylia
had scheduled her for the matrix treatment in a couple of days,
hopefully before some concrete plans could be made concerning Lum
and Noa.  Shinobu prayed they were alright, but according to what
Eluza had told her, the ship holding them was travelling so slow,
it could take days for them to get to their expected destination
somewhere in the Phentax system.  Before that, they'd have Invader
to worry about.  Shinobu felt embarrassed that she was more
concerned about her own welfare than a friend's safety, but Sylia
warned her that all they really could do now was wait.

     Not for long, God, Shinobu prays as she kisses Hitomi back. 
"Thanks, Hitomi.  I appreciate it."

     Others quickly come up to pass on their congratulations and
best wishes.  Among them are Honey and Oyuki.  "I see I won't be
alone," the Tritonian laughs as she embraces Shinobu.

     "Hopefully Lum'll be with us soon," the Terran replies.

     "I hope so, too," Oyuki nods.

     Honey and Sylia laugh as they embrace.  "If I could've seen
Shinobu to a safer place, it would be you, Sylia," the former
sniffs back her tears.  "She's really special."

     "So's yours," the latter reminds her.

     "Good point!" Honey muses, then swamps Oyuki with a kiss.

     "Honey-chan...!" the princess burbles, nearly melting out of
her bond-mate's arms.

     Shinobu nods as she receives everyone else, then tenses as she
feels five pairs of eyes gazing at her, from the people waiting now
by Deunan's table.  Priss.  Rei.  Linna.  Nene.  Asuka.  Pathfinder
Troop Six.  Sylia's other family, the family which mattered just as
much.  Taking a deep breath, Shinobu marches over.  If they didn't
accept her, then her bonding with Sylia might as well have never
happened.

     Priss comes up first.  "Hey, Shinobu," she holds out her hand,
then fiercely draws the Terran into a tight embrace, kissing her
cheek.  "You love her with all your heart, you hear me?!  'Cause if
you don't, I'll fuckin' carve it out of you!"

     Shinobu shudders.  She had expected Priss to be coarse, but
underneath it, her heart was twenty-four carat.  "I'll let you,"
she gently kisses the coxswain on her tattoo.

     "Priss may be as uncouth as a stormwalker with diarrhea, but
she does speak for all of us," Nene snickers, then embraces Shinobu
next.  "You care for her, you hear me?  She's special."

     "I know that most of all," Shinobu pats the hacker on the
back, kissing her on the cheek.

     "She's as much our Elder Mother as Noa is," Rei comes up. 
"Lyna has blessed you both...as has Jesus Christ.  In the eyes of
Eternity, this was meant to happen."

     "I accept Their Blessings with a clean heart and a pure soul,
Rei," Shinobu bows her head as the first officer touches her
forehead, then draws her into an embrace.  "Pray for me?"

     "I will."

     "We gotta get to work getting her into shape," Linna feels
Shinobu's arm, then draws her into an embrace.  "You may be part of
the family, but you ain't part of the Troop until I say so!"

     "Oh?" Shinobu pulls away, then walks over to a tree and yanks
it one-handed from the ground.  "Well, Linna?  Do I pass?"

     "Fuck, yeah!!" the demolitions chief whistles.

     The Terran puts the tree down.  Asuka smiles as she embraces
Shinobu, then hands her a small package.  "Here, put it on.  Until
we find a place for you, you'll get to wear our uniform."

     "I'll wear it with pride," Shinobu takes it, kisses Asuka,
then runs off to change.

     Inside Deunan's command tent, Shinobu ducks into an alcove,
then slips off her school uniform.  Gazing at the dark blue top,
she feels a touch of disquiet.  Would this be the last time she'd
wear this?  Breathing in, she tenses on feeling Sylia's reassurance
flow through their bond, then she sets the top aside and undoes her
bra.  The Mark Two military jumpsuit was a two-piece short-sleeved
affair which still had the very deep "W" cut framed by the red
phoenix.  At least the pants didn't have those ridiculous diamond
cuts over the hips, she breathes in as she pulls out the trousers,
then frowns.  No, Sylia didn't wear anything even when she had her
period; the pants came equipped with a moisture-absorbent zone
between the legs.  So why should Sylia's bond-mate?  With that, she
slips off both skirt and panties before dressing.

     Outside, everyone talks excitedly about the new couple when
the rumble of a car engine distracts them.  Eyes turn to gaze
disgustedly on Mendou's command car.  "Oh, dear," Oyuki leans back
toward Honey.  "It appears, Honey-chan, that Kimaenowakai-sama's
bodyguards are slipping."

     "No problem, Oyuki-chan," Honey purrs.  "He's about to get the
biggest shock of his life."

     The driver steps out, then salutes as Mendou disembarks. 
Instantly, a small group of his otaku, women who survived the Sunin
by not being in Ataru's class, flock around him.  The Sagussans
quickly disperse, heading off to resume training or maintenance. 
Pathfinder Troop Six, Honey and Oyuki move to protect Sylia.  Once
he has greeted everyone else, Mendou marches up, gently grasping
the princess' hand.  "Oyuki-sama, my people told me yesterday about
your tragic loss.  Please accept my deepest condolences," he bows.

     "Thank you, Mendou-san," Oyuki nods.  "Your words are kind. 
If you'll please excuse us...Honey-chan?"

     Honey offers her arm as she and the Tritonian head to Noa's
apartment.  Mendou watches them go confusedly, then turns to Sylia,
noting the squadron commander's twin bars on her shoulders.  He
then finds himself facing six pairs of icy eyes.  Coughing, he
braces himself.  "It has come to my attention that you've come here
because of Ataru Moroboshi.  Be assured, I don't understand why you
chose him, but I hope you'll soon come to realize what sort of..."

     "Stow it, asshole!!!" Priss slides over to glare down at
Mendou; she was the tallest in the Troop.  "You were about to
fuckin' tell us that Ataru's an idiot, that any kids we'd have with
him'd be idiot children and that YOU of all people would be a much
better choice!!!  Spare us the hot air, dweeb; we've heard it all
before from your compadres who weren't pounded into dogfood by the
Sunin and we'll probably be hearing it from Megane and his three
little morons when they get back here!!!  And I'm going to fuckin'
tell them the same thing I'm gonna tell you!!!"

     In a blur, her hand grabs his katana, then holds it up.  "You
think you are such hot shit!!!" she growls, leaning over him.  "You
think because you've got all that money, all the floozies falling
all over you ready to spread their legs if you get horny, all the
cute toys, you can dictate whatever the fuck you want, especially
to OUR Daimon'cha?!!  I got a news flash for you, pansy!!"

     She tosses the katana aside, draws her pistol, aims and fires! 
The bolt shatters the steel like tissue paper!!  She then glares
back at him.  "This AIN'T a fuckin' child's game, asshole!!!  This
is LIFE and DEATH!!!!  Lives are at stake here, pal, lives that
mean a lot to us!!!  You either get with the fuckin' program very
quick or you're going to be ashes!!!  GOT ME?!?!"

     Mendou stammers, feeling his strength go as Priss storms off. 
"'Stormwalker with diarrhea,' Nene?" Sylia wonders.

     "The way she seems to me," Nene smiles.

     "Oh, Sylia-chan," a voice then hails.

     Mendou gasps in horrified disbelief on seeing Shinobu walk up,
her school uniform folded over her arm, now properly adorned in the
jumpsuit of a Pathfinder chief petty officer.  Not even giving him
a glance, she walks up to tenderly take her bond-mate's hand. 
"Syl-chan, did this *little* man bother you?"

     "Don't worry, Shi-chan.  Priss took care of it," Sylia purrs.

     "Priss is so sweet," Shinobu leans up.

     Mendou's jaw hits the ground as the two drown themselves in a
passionate kiss, then turn to the school.  "Good morning, Mendou-
san," Shinobu briefly glares at him before turning her attention
back to Sylia.

     The others stare contemptfully at the scion of Japan's richest
family as he gazes at his empty hands.  "For someone who's very
uncouth, Priss is very effective," Rei muses.

     "Reminds me of something Catty once said," Nene shrugs.  "She
may normally work with the regeneration matrix, laser-scalpels and
protoplasers...but for some things, a knife's still the best."

     "My kind of doctor," Linna chuckles.

     The four laugh as they walk away.  "Shinobu-san," Mendou
stammers incoherently...

                           *    *    *

                     "A Remarkable Destiny"
                   a Urusei Yatsura lemon fic
                         by Fred Herriot
                        gorgo@kwangju.net
                         **** **** ****
      Based on "Urusei Yatsura" created by Rumiko Takahashi
                         **** **** ****

NOTE:  All standard lemon warnings apply.  This is my second time
at this, so please give me a break.  I'll try to keep it as spicy
as possible without going too overboard.

WRITER'S NOTES

1)   I'm using the names I and others have given the guards and
other characters in UY-TSY.  For your information:

Lum's Bodyguards - Aisuru Megane, Daremo Kakugari, Urayamu Chibi,
Shitto Paama
The Moroboshis - Muchi (dad), Kinshou (mom)
The Mendous - Hajime (dad), Haruka (mom)
The Mizunokojis - Yuujiro (dad), Saeko (mom)
The Miyakis - Toshoba (dad), Kimiki (mom)
Ryuunosuke's father - Fujimi Fujinami
Nagisa's father - Shin Shinowataru
Lum's family - Captain Invader, Mrs. Invader (her given name is
never used since she is married)
Lan's family - Colonel Mamoko, Mrs. Chena (Lan's father is dead;
since she is a widow, Lan's mother uses her given name)
Rei's family - Major Tan, Lady Yedris Seq (Rei's father is dead;
her mother reverted to her maiden name).  Rei's uncle is Yethis Seq
and he has one sister, Sugoi.
Benten's family - Commander Hotei and Mrs. Miroku Shigaten
Oyuki's family - King Fuyu, Queen Samui
Cherry's real name - Hayao Sakurambou

2)   Sagussan ground force weapons:

Urban Assault Cannon (UAC) - A weapon like a SPAS-12 shotgun firing
a plasma-type energy round.  Fires in auto-load and pump-action
modes.  Three fire modes (single shot, three shot, full automatic)
and twelve power settings.  Thirty rounds.  Excellent for urban use
as well as aboard ships and storming fortifications.

Personal Defence Pistol (PDP) - A pistol like a Colt .45 that fires
the same type of round as the UAC.  Semi-automatic, fires only in
single shot mode.  Twelve power settings, fifteen rounds.  The
basic back-up sidearm, excellent for undercover work.

Field Automatic Projectile Rifle (FAPR) - A rifle like the M-16
without the carrying handle.  Projectile is either a mini-photon
grenade or a solid sabot/flechette type made of depleted uranium. 
Uses box/drum magazines with 75 round capacity.  Same type of fire
modes as the UAC.  Can be fitted with a single-tube photon grenade
launcher in over/under capacity.  Preferred field weapon for
Pathfinder and Warsuit Brigades, not used by Sylia's team.

Photon Shotgun (PSG) - Twin barrel 40 mm projectile firearm similar
to the M-79 of Vietnam fame.  Fires left-barrel first, fitted with
side-by-side triggers for each barrel.  Loaded by flipping the
breech open, then putting the rounds in.  Can fire various warloads
(photon grenade, illumination, case shot, armour piercing case
shot, canister shot [commonly called grape shot], chemical gas). 
Disadvantage:  it only has two shots before reloading.  Perfect for
fortification breeching or taking down a massed group of troops.

**** **** ****

PART SIX - SHATTERED DREAMS, WORLDS APART

     "WHAT?!?!?!"

     Oogi shakes like a leaf in the storm as his chief advisors
make their report.  "It is true, sir," one looking like Megane
bows.  "An alien race has gone to Earth intent on becoming the
Terrans' allies.  By their doing so, Lum-sama and all Federation
citizens now face expulsion because of the recent matter concerning
the Yaminokuni."

     "This can't be!!" the Niphentaxian president screams, storming
around his office in the Great Lum Church in the centre of Phentax
Two's capital.  "What have the Urusians said about it?!!"

     "They do not know, sir," an advisor looking like Chibi shakes
his head.  "The Holy Father is en route to Earth, but no messages
have been transmitted from Triton to Uru concerning this event."

     "Then transmit them from here!!" Oogi orders.

     "At once, sir," the advisor bows, then departs.

     "What else have our agents learned?!"

     "Sir, these people call themselves Sagussans," an advisor
looking like Paama begins.  "They are all women.  Most likely, they
are the Maidens of the Eternal Voyager.  The symbology on their
weapons and fighter craft does match that observed on the Voyager
itself.  Further, they have begun making friends and allies on
Earth.  Princess Oyuki of the Holy Company is one, as is the Sinful
Doubter Shinobu Miyaki."

     "What of the Holy Apostles?!  Has ANYONE found out about those
monsters who dared strike them down?!!"

     "Unknown, sir," a Kakugari look-alike shakes his head.  "We
have just learned that the Fifth Holy Apostle has recovered from
his wounds.  Most likely, the other Holy Apostles will soon return
to the Goddess' service, as will Benten of the Holy Company.  The
Sinful Doubter Lan and the Seducer Rei are still in hospital,
expected to be there for some time."

     "What of the Great Evil?!!"

     The advisors exchange looks.  "Sir," the Megane-wanna be
braces himself.  "He is the Chosen One of the Eternal Voyager."

     Oogi stops, his hand dropping his katana.  Silence falls as
the advisors stare concernedly at their president.  "Sir, did you
hear that?" the Megane-wanna be wonders.

     "***WHAT?!?!?!?!***" Oogi's scream echoes through Lumukyou...

                           *    *    *

     Ataru sneezes!  "Bless you, Ataru," Catty calls out.

     "Ugh!" he rubs his nose, then breathes in.  "Someone's talking
about me!"  Shaking his head, he stares at the "Hasei'cha's" senior
doctor.  "So, what's the news from down below?"

     "So far, so good," Catty reports.  They, along with Pony,
Mie's twin sister Hotaru and her bond-mate Setsuna, were in the
warpsloop's isolation unit, powerful psi-barriers keeping Ataru's
now-vulnerable mei'na free of outside influence.  The four medical
officers were keeping their personal meipyokgh at full strength. 
Ataru could sense their efforts; it was taking a toll on their
concentration.  At most, they could spend a couple hours in the
ward without pause.  Catty and Pony would soon get off shift with
Hotaru and Setsuna coming on.  Medical officers from other defence
units were on their way to pitch in.  It was a balancing act of
sorts.  They couldn't allow Ataru to remain alone but at the same
time, they couldn't relax around him...not until he learned enough
to protect his own mei'na.  "Honey and Oyuki have bonded, as have
Sylia and Shinobu.  There's still no word on Lum or Noa, but the
chances are good that we won't hear anything for another day at the
least.  Captain Invader will arrive over Earth this afternoon. 
Honey will receive him on your behalf."

     "Okay," Ataru felt guilty that he wasn't in good enough shape
to face Invader right away.  Who knew what mood Lum's father was
in.  Best case, he assumed Gaylan had chopped off Lum's horns to
make it look as if she and Ataru had broke up.  Worst case, he
believed Gaylan and wouldn't be in the mood to speak with anyone
but Ataru.  "Have Sylia go with Honey," he then stares at Catty. 
"Seeing both of them might throw him off enough so we could get our
side of the story in before he moves to tear things apart."

     "Right," Catty nods, then turns to Hotaru.  "Pony and I stand
relieved, Eii'sagh."

     "Setsuna and I relieve you, I'sagh," the nurse nods.

     The two doctors bow to Ataru, then head out.  He relaxes, his
hand feeling the beard which had grown when he was in the matrix. 
It was enough of a physical change...his hair now extended down to
the base of his shoulder blades...to mark the corner he turned, the
new path he had taken.  Would it be enough to convince Lum that
things could still happen between them or would it chase her away? 
He hoped not; he loved Lum and wanted the chance to really make up
with her, do it right this time.  Hopefully, he'll have the chance
as soon as things got back to normal...what WAS normal?...and
Heaven help Gaylan if he screwed them!

     "Now, Ataru, let's begin," Hotaru smiles...

                           *    *    *

     The "Kashin" de-warps near Jupiter, the helmsman automatically
guiding the battlewagon toward Earth.  Invader gazes fondly at
Sol's resident giant, the angry eye of the Great Red Spot visible
even from this distance.  He always liked the scenic tour when he
came to this system.  Saturn, Uranus and Neptune were beautiful
planets in their own right, but Jupiter was in a class by herself. 
He wondered if the Terrans really appreciated the beauty Nature had
given them in a way the Tritonians did.  Well, when they came out
finally, they'd get the chance.

     The Urusian craft leaps over the asteroid belt, then races
past Mars' orbit for the third planet.  The bridge crew remains
quiet, some stealing concerned glances at their commanding officer. 
While they would follow him wherever he wanted to go...Invader was
THAT type of commanding officer...the constant worry over his
daughter was sooner or later going to get them into trouble with
someone.  Rumours about Zephyrite intervention during the Tag Race
had just begun to spread from Onishuto.

     Invader knew better.  The Holy Republic's ambassador had met
President Lana earlier in the day.  Yes, they sent wind-daisies
from Magairu, enough to keep the mushrooms in check.  Yes, they
would've sent more if the problem had got out of control, but no
further request had come from Earth to wipe them out totally.  Rupa
would get the bill...about ten million uniCredits...very soon. 
Yes, the Holy Republic's stance toward Earth hadn't changed, but
they respected Earth enough to permit the U.N. to make their own
decisions concerning the continued presence of Federation citizens
on their sovereign territory.  No, they wouldn't tolerate an
increased Urusian presence in the system.  Same old, same old...

     The captain shakes his head.  It was bad enough that things
were so unsure without the galaxy's largest superpower playing word
games.  He knew some things, though.  The Zephyrites had their own
presence on Earth:  a small colony of monks somewhere in Japan. 
Rumours had circulated for years that there was a Terran Righteous
Gentile, someone who had helped in that famine of some decades
back, though his identity had never been confirmed.  Good thing,
too; the way Yethis and the other Imperialists were behaving these
days, having a hidden ace like a Righteous Gentile around couldn't
make matters any worse.

     "Five minutes to Earth orbit, sir," the first officer warns.

     Invader braces himself.  "Take us in over Tomobiki when we get
there, Number One."

     "Aye, sir."

     Finally, he breathes out.  Time for some answers.  He hoped
things between his daughter and son-in-law hadn't become too sour
before Gaylan became involved.  Fate knows, Ataru had more than
enough reasons to be angry at Lum; she had supposedly held his
whole planet hostage just to make him admit that he loved her. 
Damn his foot-dragging, Invader shakes his head...or was it really
foot-dragging?  Had he actually...?  No!!  Impossible!

     The "Kashin" shudders as she passes into Earth's gravity well,
descending toward Japan.  Suddenly, sensory alarms scream from a
dozen stations as the battlewagon rocks, indicative of other ships
racing past her at close range.  Invader gapes as several arrow-
shapes buzzed the bridge as the crew leaps into action.  "What the
hell are those things?!!" he snaps.  "Identify!!"

     "Unknown, sir!" the sensory officer cries out.  "Configuration
is unknown, point of origin unknown!!"

     "Sir, a larger vessel has placed itself behind us!" the combat
sensory officer reports.  "Her shields are up and by the looks of
it, her weapons are hot!!"

     "Sir, we're being hailed!" the communications officer warns.

     "On speakers!!" the first officer barks.

     Eluza's voice echoes over the bridge.  "U.D.F.S. 'Kashin,'
this is R.S.S. 'Hasei'cha.'  By order of the United Nations, you
are forbidden to make close approach to Tokyo airspace.  I say
again, you are forbidden to make close approach to Tokyo airspace. 
Assume five hundred kilometres geo-synch altitude over Tokyo.  If
you do not change course in ten seconds, you will be considered
hostile and be fired upon!"

     "WHAT?!?!?!" Invader snaps.  "Who is this?!!"

     "Sir!!!" the first officer points ahead.

     Invader looks, then gags on seeing the "Lyna'cha" side toward
the dwarfish Urusian ship, the gaping maws of her planet-wrecking
particle-proton cannons pointed right at the captain's head!  Feb's
voice then echoes over the speakers.  "'Kashin,' this is the
Republic of Sagussa Starship 'Lyna'cha.'  You are now in the space
of a planet under the protection of the Fifth Republic of Sagussa. 
Heave that garbage scow to, Invader, or you'll be walking home!"

     "Boss...?" the first officer stares worriedly at the captain.

     Invader shudders.  Of all the things he could've expected,
this wasn't even close.  Who WERE these people?!  "Do as they say,
helm.  Five hundred kilometres, geo-synch over Tokyo."

     "Aye, sir," the helmsman breathes out.

     The "Kashin" levels out, floating not ten kilometres off the
"Lyna'cha's" bow.  As the Sagussan battlecruiser swings around to
return to her station, the "Hasei'cha" and the Gladiators which had
jumped the Urusian battlewagon break off.  "ESM, get a scan of
these people," Invader grumbles.  "I don't think they'd be too
surprised if we tried to look them over."

     "Aye, sir," the electronic sensor officer nods.

     "'Kashin,' this is 'Lyna'cha,'" April's voice then echoes over
the bridge speakers.  "You are permitted ONE shuttlecraft to enter
Tokyo airspace.  No escorts; they will be shot down if they launch. 
Be warned, we WILL consider any deviation to our instructions as
hostile to Earth's sovereignty.  Proceed to Tomobiki High School
and land on the back lawn by the soccer pitch.  You'll be met there
by our representatives.  Acknowledged?"

     "We acknowledge!!" Invader barks.  Who WERE these people?!

                           *    *    *

     Deep in the secure communications room, Negau Renning gazes at
the printout as the encrypted message finishes transmitting from
Onishuto.  Her eyes are wide as the implications of what Oogi's
message from Phentax Two were.  Like all those close to Lum's
family, the lieutenant found the Church of Lum to be a ludicrous
waste of time.  But Oogi was a power to be reckoned with in the
Galactic Federation; his 3,000 combat ships, using technology
meticulously copied from advanced Urusian designs, spoke volumes.

     However, Oogi's ranting could produce a situation which could
make a cosmic scramble look like a tea party.  THEY had come to
Earth?!  They chose HIM as their leader?!  They were doing THAT for
Earth?!  Shaking her head, Negau stares at the deckhead, wondering
what the reaction in the Tribal Council would be.  Fortunately, she
got this unedited from the President's personal assistant, an old
friend from the Defence Academy.

     Yethis and his brood would scream for war...and commit Uru on
a course even more guaranteed to destroy them all than if the Union
challenged Zephyrus.  Moderates like Reisho would demand that Uru
take a cautious approach, engage them in useful dialogue, perhaps
allow them a free hand here.  If they could be convinced to ally
with the Federation, all threats from the Dominion and Ipraedos
would dry up overnight.  Negau herself was a Unionist in politics,
though she wouldn't mind if the Democrats were able to make the
reforms they wanted.

     In some ways, her thoughts echoed Gaylan Poksu's.  Seeing the
Imperialist slugs get away with what they did made her stomach
turn.  As a Renning, she was supposed to follow the House on the
march to Empire, but Negau, a serious student of history, had found
her ancestors' actions too shameful.  She had been disowned by her
family, but had been taken in by the Invader family.  Negau was in
all respects Lum's sister...and she wondered what Lum would say
when she learned what happened to her husband...

                           *    *    *

     Students watch confusedly as a tiger-striped courier, not so
different from the "Kashin's" gig, appear over Tomobiki, then
settle in for a landing on the back lawn.  Since Lum's father was
the only Urusian starship captain who came to Earth on a regular
basis, seeing him coming in via shuttlecraft...indicating that his
ship was way up...instead of flying in from just above the tallest
skyscrapers sets many tongues wagging.

     Shinobu doesn't care as she observes the ship land from the
library.  It was about time that someone forced Invader to play by
Earth's rules.  She then gazes at her classmates.  Ryuunosuke was
busy with her history text.  Once she had heard the news of
Shinobu's and Sylia's bonding, the tomboy had surprised her; she
wished them luck and hoped for the best.  Pity we couldn't find
someone for her, Shinobu had mused, then remembered that Nagisa was
now part of the equation.  Too bad; on Sagussa, Ryuunosuke would be
far out of her father's overwhelming reach.

     Megane and the guards had come back that morning.  However,
the four had been too distracted by Sagussan technology...not to
mention the pretty Daishi'cha...to worry too much about where Lum
might be.  Shinobu was delighted on seeing Kakugari blankly follow
Deunan and Hitomi around the front lawn during recess, tongue
shamelessly drooling behind him.  The Warsuit commanders acted as
if they didn't mind, but Shinobu suspected they were going to drag
the heaviest of the guards off sooner or later to forever rid him
of his Lum-itis.  Hopefully some others would do the same to
Megane, Chibi and Paama.

     So much for loyalty, she laughs to herself.

     Shinobu then tenses on feeling Mendou's gaze touch her.  After
Priss' grilling, the scion of Japan's richest family had acted
meek, barely acknowledging greetings from the girls he normally
flirted shamelessly with.  He should be having the time of his
life.  With Ataru soon to go to Sagussa, Mendou had almost the
whole female high school population of Tomobiki to himself.  Or was
he upset over what happened to her?!  If Mendou was, Shinobu would
smack him into line soon.  She was no one's property, not some
mindless idiot who'd automatically follow Mendou's commands.

     Shinobu then feels a beautiful warmth flow through her.  Her
heart skips a couple beats as she turns.  "Syl-chan!"

     "We're need outside, Shi-chan," Sylia nods to the door.  "Get
dressed."

     "Hai!!" Shinobu rises to head out.

     "Shinobu-san!" Mendou stands, moving to block her path.

     She freezes him with a stare.  "What do you want?"

     He shudders as she marches past, then gazes blankly at her as
she runs out of the library with Sylia.  "Shinobu-san..."

                           *    *    *

     Outside, Deunan and Hitomi wait as the courier shuts down,
then the boarding hatch is lowered.  The first officer out was all
too recognizable; Lyna, you could hit the sucker at a kilometre
with a hunting rifle and be guaranteed a kill, Deunan snorts. 
Behind him was a skinny girl with lieutenant's rank on her collars. 
Personal aide, no doubt.  Concentrating to locate Honey and Sylia,
Deunan notes that they are still some moments away.  She and Hitomi
walk over.  "Captain Invader, welcome back to Earth," the blonde
Sagussan politely smiles, hand out.  "I'm Squadron Commander Deunan
of the Sagussan Warsuit Brigade, presently ground force commander
in Tomobiki.  My second-in-command, Squadron Commander Hitomi."

     Invader stares in disbelief at the woman before her.  Not even
twenty years old and she COMMANDED everything in Tomobiki?  "May I
ask why you are on this planet?!" he gruffly demands.

     "Captain, we're here for reasons which'll be made clear to you
very soon," Deunan inwardly smiles.  Big lug wasn't used to being
shuffled around like some menial, especially over this planet.  "My
civilian superior is on her way here right now to speak to you, as
is the leader of a special team we have allocated to Lum's rescue. 
They'll be more than happy to answer your questions.  Personally,
you needn't fear for your daughter's safety around us.  One of our
citizens was kidnapped with her, so that makes it our affair."

     "I see," Invader hums, admiration in his voice.  This woman
wasn't intimidated by him whatsoever, yet she treated him as an
equal.  "Very well, Squadron Commander.  By the way, where is my
son-in-law, Ataru Moroboshi?"

     Deunan sighs.  Time to pop this bubble.  "Sir, if I understand
you correctly, you do NOT have a son-in-law.  The reasons for that
will be made clear to you when you meet my friends.  As for Ataru
Moroboshi, he is currently in isolation aboard the starship R.S.S.
'Hasei'cha.'  NO ONE outside medical personnel are authorized to
get close to him until tomorrow night at the latest."

     Invader pales.  As for the crack about Ataru not being his
son-in-law; well, that was expected if Ataru got to talk to them
before Lum.  Why did he still deny it?  But the words "isolation"
and "medical personnel" make his skin crawl.  Was it radiation? 
Bio-weapons?  What did Gaylan do?!  If it was crippling, Invader
vowed he would skin the old warhorse alive or die in the trying!

     Behind him, Negau bites her lips.  She knew exactly what was
going on...from the perspective of the many legends which grew
around the starship many called "Eternal Voyager."  She hadn't told
Invader about the message from Lumukyou yet; it would be better to
reveal it as soon as Invader understood the whole story.  For the
most part, the Maidens seemed like honest dealers.  They were quite
protective of the Chosen One and his homeworld, probably viewed him
as the victim and Lum the aggressor.  Understandable.

     Deunan then blinks as four people enter range.  "Ah, that's
them," she looks over her shoulder.  "Captain, may I present the
acting Aide-de-Camp to our head-of-state, Honey...and the commander
of Pathfinder Troop Six, Squadron Commander Sylia.  I believe you
already know Princess Oyuki and Shinobu Miyaki."

     Invader smiles on seeing Oyuki, then blinks as he gazes on
Honey and Sylia.  His jaw drops open as those familiar features
come back to them.  Understandable; he saw their images in bronze
and in paintings every day he went to work!  "Impossible..."

     "Not really," Honey chuckles, then waves to Tomobiki High. 
"Would you care to join us inside, Captain?  The library's free
right now.  Seems we have some talking to do."

     "I...I...I guess we do," Invader dumbfoundedly nods...

                           *    *    *

     A half-hour later, Invader's demeanour hadn't changed as he
stares at Honey and Sylia across a library table.  Oyuki and
Shinobu relax beside their bond-mates, holding their hands.  The
large captain had just been told about the reasons the Daishi'cha
had picked Ataru as their Daimon'cha.  "If I had ever known that
Mr. Groom..." the large captain still found it uncomfortable to
call Ataru by name, "...had spent two months on a planet who's
existence people have been speculating on for centuries, I would've
had someone else picked to be Earth's tag champion."

     "Captain, we're aware of the internal difficulties the Urusian
Union now faces," Honey smiles.  While not properly trained in the
fine arts of diplomacy, the physical education instructor had been
taking a crash course thanks to Oyuki.  "Give Yethis Seq the chance
and he'd turn Earth into a smoking cinder in the blink of an eye. 
The Dominion and the Ipraedies would love to get their hands on
this planet.  And while our distant cousins on Zephyrus are more
favourably minded to the Federation, they too would seize this
system if they felt it necessary.  In essence, Captain, we're not
here to start a war, but to prevent one."

     "An applaudable mission, but that still doesn't explain what's
going on between my daughter and Mr. Groom!"

     "Captain, they told you why Ataru-kun never said a thing about
his grandmother," Shinobu cuts it.  "If he really hated Lum, we
wouldn't be here having this pleasant conversation for we'd've been
killed long before now and Ataru-kun would be with his grandmother. 
What his feelings for Lum are may not be known even now, but I know
he doesn't hate her.  He intends to lead the rescue attempt as soon
as Lum and Noa are located.  What more do you want?" 

     "I'd like to speak to him myself," Invader grumbles.

     "And intimidate him like you, your wife and Ataru's parents
did when you agreed they would marry?" Honey raises her eyebrow. 
"I think not.  Besides, if any of us caught you threatening Ataru
in any way, you'll be going back to Uru in a body-cast.  And as you
may notice," she nods toward Priss and Lufy, standing by one door,
"...we have the means to see that happen."

     Invader jerks, his eyes fearfully gazing at the *pirpirsiw'r*
standing guard to ensure no one eavesdropped on their conversation. 
"You make your point well, Honey-san."

     Oyuki titters.  The others gaze confusedly at her as the
Tritonian princess stares at Lum's father.  "Honey-chan did the
same thing to me when I demanded to see Ataru right after he and
Lum-chan had their fight...this was just before Lum-chan and Noa-
chan were kidnapped," she covers her mouth.  "Captain, all Honey-
chan's people are asking is that we all give Ataru the time to
think this out without influencing him in any way.  It isn't just
how much they love and care for him, it's the core tenet of their
beliefs.  You can't ask them to turn their backs on that."

     "True," Invader sighs, rubbing his nose.  "So when is he going
to be out of isolation?"

     "Tomorrow night," Honey nods.  "Hopefully sooner.  By that
time, I pray, we get something concerning Lum and my sister.  If
Gaylan has killed Noa-chan, I'd sense it right away."

     "He better not!" Invader snarls.  "Or else he's rejected
everything about being Urusian!!  Actually harming the woman who
saved us from the Dominion?!  Hell, everyone these days knows that
Noa and you two became Maidens of the Voyager!  Seeing you three
alive and well shouldn't be THAT surprising!!"

     "We can't assume anything," Sylia quietly coughs.  "Gaylan may
have been so badly hurt over what happened to his combat team that
he really doesn't care.  If so, we won't be able to talk to him and
thus will be forced to take him down, hard.  Captain, I'd like to
speak to you in private concerning that incident.  It may help us
construct a psych profile on him to better judge what he might do."

     "Sure, sure," Invader nods.  "In the meantime, Honey-san, what
exactly are your plans once Noa-san and Lum-chan are found?"

     "Simple," Honey leans back.  "Sylia's team and the 'Hasei'cha'
will be dispatched to get them out.  Ataru will go along; even if
your daughter rejects him when all is said and done, he feels he
has to go.  In many ways, Ataru has always felt that Lum was *at
least* the only real friend he had in Tomobiki; he feels he owes
her for her standing with him when things got rough.  He cares for
her very much; that in itself could be seen as love."

     Hearing that, Shinobu looks down, her eyes closing as shame
races through her.  Sylia gently grasps her hand, projecting calm
through their bond.  Invader smiles.  "Well, I suppose it's a
start!" he nods.  "Anyone else going with you, Sylia-san?"

     "Well, I assume Oyuki-chan'll come," Sylia stares at the
princess.  "After all, Gaylan was behind Koosei Ryooki's death; it
led to us coming here to guard Ataru."

     "Of course," Oyuki readily nods.

     Invader sighs.  Koosei had been his friend, too.  Something
then comes to him.  "Is Benten still in the hospital?"

     "Last I checked," Shinobu nods.

     "You better bring her, too," Invader warns.  "She'll want to
go, especially if Lum-chan's in danger."

     "Can she be trusted?" Honey stares at Sylia.

     "I heard she couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a
weapon in her hand," the Pathfinder muses.  "But if she can help,
we'll take her along.  Priss?"

     "Yo!" the coxswain looks over.

     "Send a doctor to the hospital to get Benten out.  Oh, also
make sure Lan and Rei STAY in place.  We don't need those kimei'ne
fouling up things."

     "Got it," Priss nods, heading out.

     "Isn't that the truth?" Oyuki sighs, rolling her eyes.  "When
we went to Yaminokuni to rescue Lum, they were less than useless!"

     Everyone snickers.  "Much that I've long known Koosei-kun and
his knowledge of you, I still can't understand what made you jump
the gun and come here so suddenly," Invader shakes his head.  "From
the way you've acted to this point, Honey-san, I'd assume you
would've preferred to remain behind the scenes until the galactic
situation around Earth had stabilized."

     "Preferably, yes," Honey nods.  "However, much that I don't
want to bother you with something I guess nauseates you, there is
another element of danger on Phentax Two:  Oogi.  As you well know,
he would love to spin this in any way which'd hurt Ataru, all in
the name of the 'Goddess' Lum!  We realize the Niphentaxians are
the Federation's most powerful state, but remember this:  we WON'T
stand for any kissing up to the Church of Lum, Captain!  If we have
to destroy them to ensure Ataru remains safe, we'll do it!"

     Invader's eyes roll.  "I read you.  Personally, Lum-chan and
I'd love to be rid of that lunacy asylum once and for all...but
with the Ipraedies being so aggressive as of late and with the
Vosians fighting their civil war, the firepower Phentax Two brings
to the Federation makes a lot of people sleep better at nights."

     "I see," Honey nods.  "We'll keep it in mind, Captain...but I
give you no guarantees."

     "Respectfully, you may have to consider that matter soon,
Honey-sama," Negau quietly coughs, then passes the communique to
Sylia.  "Oogi is aware of your presence here and your intentions
for Moroboshi-san.  He just transmitted that to Onishuto no more
than an hour ago."

     Sylia scans the note.  "How can he know of this so well?" her
eyebrow rises, then it hits her.  "He has spies here!!"

     "What?!!" Honey stares at the Pathfinder.

     "Shit!!" Sylia bolts to her feet, then taps her wrist-
communicator.  "Sylia to Eluza!"

     "Eluza here," the shipmistress replies.

     "Eluza, we've got Niphentaxian agents on the loose in the
Tokyo area, probably concentrated in and around Tomobiki!" Sylia
barks.  "Most likely Church of Lum observers.  Get everyone to make
scans of the whole Tokyo area so we can hunt them down!  They just
passed on news about us to Phentax Two."

     "Right away," Eluza cuts the line.

     Sylia gazes sternly at Invader.  "You knew they were here,
didn't you?" she demands.

     "Well, we suspected..." the captain flushes.

     "You suspected?!" Sylia hisses, the fire in her eyes cowering
the larger Urusian like nothing ever could.  "Captain, their very
presence on Earth is, I believe, a direct violation of your Non-
Interference Treaty.  As far as we understand it, the Federation,
INCLUDING Phentax Two, agreed two years ago that all aliens must
register their presence on Earth with the United Nations, then
remain within the borders of Tomobiki for the duration of their
stay.  We'll inform the SCAA of this; I suspect they're as much in
the dark about them as we were.  And when we do, I think that'll
just be one more thing which'll convince the United Nations that
Earth will no longer deal with the Federation.  I suggest you think
hard on that, Captain...as well as tell your fellows on the Tribal
Council what could happen if they decide they won't treat Earth
with the respect an INDEPENDENT state is due!  Now if you'll excuse
me, my friends and I have to go clean the mess your daughter's
presence here has unleashed.  Good-day, sir."

     With that, Sylia marches out of the library.  Honey and the
others representing Earth and Sagussa rise.  "Thank you, Captain;
that will be all," the physical education instructor nods.  "Keep
your ship right were we can see it...and don't bother calling home
for re-enforcements.  Good-day."

     She marches out.  Shinobu moves to follow, then stops and
looks back.  "And to believe I actually once tried to LIKE your
people," she muses, then heads out.

     Oyuki follows.  "Oyuki..." Invader calls out.

     The Tritonian stops, staring at him.  "Captain, I better warn
you.  My people will happily respect what decisions Sagussa makes
concerning Earth.  Our security rides on it as much as Earth's
does...and as well you know, we owe a debt of honour to the Fifth
Republic.  Besides, you know how much my father disapproved of your
idea for the First Tag Race."

     She marches out.  Invader sighs, then drops back into his
seat.  "The Tribal Council'll go ballistic when they hear this!"

     "I'll get something drafted up," Negau pats his shoulder.

     Unseen by either Oni, someone had been eavesdropping on the
conversation:  Paama, who sometimes volunteered to work in the
library stacking books.  Shivering at what he just heard, he sneaks
out the back door to find the others...

                           *    *    *

     "That is scary!!" Megane whistles.

     The guards, Ryuunosuke and Mendou relax on the clock tower
balcony, overlooking the front walkway.  Right now, another of
Hitomi's troops were doing exercises with their machines.  Deunan's
squadron, manning the patrol posts around Tomobiki, were undergoing
daily maintenance.  A flight of Gladiators soars overheard, on the
inward leg of the patrol between Tokyo and Sendai.  Invisible to
the naked eye, the capital ships of Sagussa formed a practically
impenetrable wall around Earth.  Even that didn't make them feel
totally at ease.  "Tell me about it," Paama shudders as he gazes
around his hometown, feeling very alone.  "Fuck, I mean...alien
spies watching us because they worship Lum?!  Half the galaxy
gunning for our planet?!  Jeez, what's happening to Ataru's pretty
nice compared to what Honey and Sylia said!"

     "Amen to that!!" Ryuunosuke spits out.

     "Why are you so concerned about those other things?!" Mendou
demands.  "Don't you see?!  Did these people bother us before?!  Of
course not!  These women are confusing the situation while at the
same time plotting to destroy everything Lum-san has done for us!! 
How can you be concerned about things like observers?!  Lum-san's
life is in danger!  Why aren't we moving to rescue her right now?!"

     "Because we can't, stupid!!!" Ryuunosuke snaps.  "Even the
Sagussans can't...and they're fuckin' more capable than Lum's
people!!  Hell, why should you care?!  Aren't you angry at Lum for
what she did to us before this started?!"

     "Why should I be angry at her?!" Mendou demands.  "Moroboshi
provoked it when he refused to acknowledge her side of the story
concerning Rupa!!  He walked away from her, then rejected her when
she became angry!  You weren't there, Ryuunosuke-san; I was!!"

     "And because of that, Lum got so fuckin' angry, she was ready
to destroy us all to make Ataru come to heel!" Ryuunosuke retorts. 
"Thank the gods for Ataru's grandmother at least; if it weren't for
her, all of Earth'd REALLY be in a mess!!  And why the hell should
you still care for Lum?!  You're ENGAGED, remember?!"

     Mendou snorts, looking away.  The guards roll their eyes. 
"Look, what goes on between Ataru and Sagussa is between Ataru and
Sagussa," Kakugari sighs.  "What goes on between Ataru and Lum is
between Ataru and Lum.  Jeez, if it weren't for the Sagussans, half
the galaxy might be inclined to invade us sometime in the future! 
I'M gonna sleep better at nights knowing they're committed to us!!"

     "Lum proved she doesn't care about us in the Tag Race," Chibi
adds, shaking.  "She was ready to destroy our memories, forget we
ever existed!  After all we've done for her, stood up for her,
watched over Ataru on her behalf...what're we supposed to do?!"

     The other guards nod.  Ryuunosuke gazes at them.  While the
Second Tag Race hadn't changed Mendou at all, it hit the bodyguards
like a ton of bricks.  They were hurting.  "If she can't appreciate
her friends, man, don't sweat yourself over it," she pats Chibi's
shoulder.  "You did all you could to show her you cared.  If she's
that blind, it's her problem, not yours.  Besides, Ataru'll snap
her around sooner or later."

     "Oh?!" Mendou demands.  "What if Moroboshi does?!  They'll
both be living on Sagussa, which you'll recall, is in a place where
we CAN'T get at by any other means than a Sagussan ship!  When they
reunite, they'll be gone from our lives, forever!!"

     "Bound to happen sooner or later," Megane shrugs.

     "Well, listen to you!" Mendou snorts.  "The man who vowed to
the whole world that he'd never swerve from Lum-san's service is
having second thoughts!!"

     "Yeah, I'm having second thoughts!!" Megane spins on him. 
"You listen well, rich boy!  I gave Lum TWO YEARS of my life!!  I
wanted her so bad, I could taste her!!  I loved Lum long before YOU
parachuted into our lives!!!  I was willing to let her have Ataru
just as long as I could stay by her side!!  And what do I get for
it?!  Nothing!!!  NOTHING!!!!  I'm tired of it!!  Lum's made her
decision clear and I'm tired of chasing something I can't have!! 
We all are," he indicates the other guards, then points at Mendou,
"and so should you!!  Besides, you ARE engaged, remember?!  What
d'you suppose Asuka'll think if you still keep chasing Lum?!"

     Mendou snorts, then turns away.  "Mark my words!" he heads to
the door.  "These women don't bring us good but ill...and I will do
EVERYTHING to ensure they never hold sway over us again, ESPECIALLY
with Moroboshi in control of them!!"

     He storms out of the tower.  The others watch him go, clearly
not impressed.  "Hey, Aisuru-kun, who lit the fire under YOUR
tailpipes?!" Paama play-punches his friend.

     "Did I actually SAY all that?!" Megane exclaims.

     Everyone laughs, then watch as Mendou marches out the front
door, now forced to go all the way to the gate to get a ride home. 
"Shit, he can still cause everyone trouble," Ryuunosuke warns.

     "Not really," Paama muses.  "Ataru's uncle owns the company
that gives Mendou the money for his bodyguards and army.  If he
gets to be too bothersome, just give Toranoseishin Finances a call. 
I'm sure they'll do something to keep the jerk in his place!"

     "I hope so, too...eh?!" Megane blinks.

     Everyone looks, noting that a small convention has just come
together at Deunan's chart table.  All were in duty uniforms yet
only Deunan and Hitomi had the silver pants of Warsuit pilots...and
there was no Pathfinder green or Hovercycle black save for Sylia
and Shinobu.  "Who're they?!" Chibi wonders.

     "Let's go see," Megane waves the others with him.

     The five scramble downstairs, then head out onto the lawn. 
Shinobu notices them, then walks over.  "They just located all the
Niphentaxian agents in the area."

     "How many?!" Ryuunosuke wonders.

     "Over two hundred, fifty in Tomobiki alone!" Sylia's bond-mate
exclaims.  "Feb and her crew came down to brief Deunan and Hitomi,
then they'll brief the other teams."

     Everyone moves over to listen in.  All of the "Lyna'cha's"
crew were there.  "Comparing our present scans with previous passes
by rover units, they're all concentrated in lower-income areas of
the city," Janny explains, showing a large map of Tokyo littered
with red dots, most in and around Tomobiki.  "Now, we can't go in
with Warsuits; they'll see us and panic, then who knows what'll
happen.  We'll have to be in civvies and on foot when we do it."

     "When will SCAA authorization come in?" Hitomi wonders.

     "It's very early in the morning in New York City; probably in
a few hours," Jun does a quick calculation.

     "How do you want them taken down?" Deunan stares at Feb. 
"Fuck, if it were up to me, I'd say just blow them away and be done
with it.  Don't take chances."

     "No," the Strategic Defence Director shakes her head.  "What
we want to avoid is a fight with thousands of defenceless civilians
standing there ready to become instant hostages if something goes
wrong.  They'll be noticeable because they'll be wearing Tomobiki
High School uniforms; it's they way they profess loyalty to Lum. 
If we come at them in civilian clothing, we'll have the advantage
of surprise and we don't want to blow it away if we haul out Urban
Assault Cannons and the like.  This'll have to be coordinated very
closely between those on sensors and those making the grabs."

     "Earpieces and PDPs," Deunan makes a note.  "We'll be ready."

     The others nod, then notice the Terrans staring at them.  "Not
too nervous, Shinobu?" Feb smiles.

     "With you people around?  Of course not!" Shinobu laughs.  "I
just hope no one gets hurt.  These are my classmates:  Ryuunosuke
Fujinami, Aisuru Megane, Shitto Paama, Daremo Kakugari and Urayamu
Chibi.  Everyone, you know Syl-chan, Deunan and Hitomi."  She then
indicates the ones she met yesterday, twice!  "These are Fleet
Shipmistress Feb, Shipmistress April, Plans Watchmistress Janny,
Watchmistress Jun and Engineer Watchmistress May of the 'Lyna'cha.' 
They're running the military side of the show."

     "Thanks for coming," Ryuunosuke smiles, offering her hand.

     "Wouldn't miss it," April shakes her hand.

     For Kakugari, meeting the people from the "Lyna'cha" doesn't
attract his attention too much; he is already gazing intently at
Hitomi and Deunan.  The largest of the bodyguards had been quick to
interpret the way relationships between the sexes worked on their
planet.  Knowing that if he went after one, he'd sooner or later
have to acknowledge the other, nearly drove him mad with ecstacy. 
Besides, how could he choose between them?!

     Megane feels his heart seize up on staring Feb in the face. 
*Buddha, she's a goddess!!* thunders through his mind as he gently
takes her hand, unable to turn his eyes elsewhere.  For him, it is
a replay of what he had experienced when he first saw Lum.  There
could be no other woman beyond this dark-skinned angel!  Even
better, there seemed to be no other man coming along to take her
away as Ataru took away Lum.  This time, he WOULD score; of that,
he had no doubt!

     "Pl-pleased to m-meet you, ma'am," he finally forces out of
his mouth, gently shaking her hand.

     Feb smiles knowingly, then projects a quick glance at April,
who winks back.  "I'm pleased to meet you, Megane-san.  Forgive me
for saying so, but from what we've heard of 'Lum's bodyguards,'
you'll have to forgive us for being...stand-offish at first.  I'm
sure you'll be willing to prove us wrong, won't you?"

     <<Smooth, Feb!>> April psi-flashes her bond-mate.

     Megane stammers, another icy grip seizing his heart.  What did
they think of him?!  Did they hate him all because of what he did
to Ataru?!  What could he do, what could he do...?  "Well, we were
that way once...until Lum proved how little we really mattered to
her.  Hell, that hurt!"

     "I guess the Other needs a lesson in appreciating what friends
she had here," Feb muses.  "I'm sure Ataru'll make her see the
light soon enough, eh, April?"

     "You can say that again," April nods.

     Megane relaxes.  Meanwhile, Chibi's eyes were locked on May. 
Oh, sure, there were other Daishi'cha his size, but many of them
were emotionally too young for his taste.  May appeared to be his
age, but seemed even more mature.  Besides, you wouldn't trust the
engines of a big ship like the "Lyna'cha" to a baby, would you? 
"Y-you're an engineer, huh?!" he stammers, trying to keep his cool. 
She is SO cute!  "Gee, that must be an important job."

     "It is," May nods, exchanging a knowing look with Jun.  It
would really serve Ataru's purposes if the Bodyguards were done
away with.  Besides, the old saying back home warned that men who
were small in stature were big where it counted the most.  They
were willing to test the theory out...if Chibi was also willing. 
"Um, Chibi-san, how'd you like to come up and see our ship?  I LOVE
to show her off to everyone who wants to see her...right, Jun?"

     "Might even give him a chance to test-fire the guns," Jun
winks at him.

     Chibi gulps, then it hits him.  Sagussan women always paired
off with each other.  Both May AND Jun?  Well, they were both
lookers, though the latter's pale skin made the smallest of the
guards tremble every so slightly.  She seemed nice, but boy, was
she ever creepy to look at!  But...well, if May trusted her, so
could he!  "I'd like that," he smiles.

     The two laugh.  Paama, of course, was fully engrossed with
Janny.  The tallest of the guards was the most experienced when it
came to dating, so flirting came naturally to him.  Besides, no one
else was around to horn in on his parade; he doubted any of these
girls'd want anything to do with Mendou.

     Janny gazes quizzically at Paama.  She could easily guess what
he wanted.  It would be so easy if she had a bond-mate to relate
to, but try as the plans officer had, she hadn't found the right
sort to become her soul-companion.  After all, you were supposed to
get your marei'cha BEFORE worrying about your surei'cha, right? 
Still, it would be rude to turn him away.  "Would you like to come
up to see the ship, Paama-san?" she wonders.

     "I'd love to, Janny-san," he smiles readily, nodding.

     Janny smiles back.  Nearby, Shinobu and Sylia exchange knowing
looks.  Well, at least THESE four wouldn't bother Ataru anymore...

                           *    *    *

To be continued...^Z